For many of us, Christmas means warmth, family, and hope. But for people without a home, it can bring loneliness, danger and despair. Recent reports show a heartbreaking truth: across the UK in 2024, 1,611 people experiencing homelessness died — a 9% rise from the previous year.
In the East of England alone, deaths jumped from 95 in 2023 to 114 in 2024, with 22 lives lost in Cambridgeshire alone.
This is why your support matters. At Jimmy’s Cambridge we’re working every day offering life saving support by giving people safety, shelter and a chance to rebuild. This winter, we need you more than ever.
Your donation can save lives.
This Christmas, you can help someone like Adam rebuild their life
Adam’s Story: From Rough Sleeping to Rebuilding
Adam knows how quickly life can spiral out of control. His drinking started as after-work beers with colleagues, but soon it took over his life—sneaky vodka before driving, miniatures on the road, waking at 4 a.m. to drink, all while hiding it from others.
“I wasn’t drinking to be drunk, I was drinking to feel normal,” Adam recalls. “It’s mad how drink can change your life like that, it just takes over.”
After 18 months of rough sleeping and sofa surfing, he reached out for help. He remembers staying on Midsummer Common because a cow trough had a tap he could use to splash his face. Following bereavements, a cancer diagnosis, and the breakdown of his relationship, he contacted Street Outreach and was referred to Jimmy’s East Road.
Finding Safety, Support, and Hope
“Having a bed, my own key, even my own shower—that was perfect,” Adam says of his first days at Jimmy’s. With help from Jimmy’s, Street Outreach, and CGL, he completed a two-week detox, moved into a peaceful move-on house, and began rebuilding his life.
“It’s really quiet here. Having a key to a safe space has really made the difference to me wanting to really change,” he says. Supported by his Jimmy’s worker, Iain, Adam has reconnected with his children and grandchild, discovered the joys of nature, and is finding stability day by day.
Reflecting on Christmas, Adam shares:
“Last year was lonely. I spent it on my own and didn’t see any of my family. This year, I’ve invited my two boys over—they’ve said they’ll come. For me, Christmas only means something when you are around family.”
How You Can Make a Difference
Adam’s story shows how quickly life can change with the right support—but there are many more people still struggling this winter. Jimmy’s provides 24/7 shelter, care, and support for people experiencing homelessness, but we rely on the generosity of our supporters.
You can help:
- Donate today — your gift can save lives, providing safe shelter and life-changing support.
- Organise a collection in your community or workplace from our Festive Wishlist, or download our Reverse Advent Calendar to spread festive cheer.
- Attend our event – buy tickets to our Christmas Carol Concert, all proceeds help people like Adam.
Email info@jimmyscambridge.org.uk if you have any questions.
Every action, no matter how small, helps people like Adam find hope, safety, and a future where Christmas is a time of family and joy.
This Christmas, you can give someone the gift of safety and a fresh start.